𝟸 & 𝟺

-eight-

New week had been dealt in the card. New battles begin as the mind sets pace for what happens next.

Any past events are set aside to prepare for the new and improved test.

A test to quiz skills and abilities for the upcoming show.

And show that only the best perform. The best get to showcase how they have arrived.

The show; life.

This pattern happened often with you. The sense that a new even was to unfold, leading with what you had in mind.

And the fact that life was the ultimate lead for any show, pattern and event. That whatever u folded was a product of the existence of you.

It was a hard pill to swallow most days.

This day was one in which you gulped back any doubts, thoughts or actions against what you've been working for.

The day had arrived. A lovely weekend in which could've been spent in the comfort of your own home.

But instead, in the company of 7 other athletes in which had the same goal. The drive to actually want the goal.

It had seemed someone else had been carrying yours since the day you were whisked onto their side.

The day was there nonetheless, and so what the carrying individual.

The day of Mixed Doubles Tryouts.

Determining all hard work and ethics to a tee. Seeing chemistry from under the combinations and additions. Analyzing everything.

Everything.

You thought about the process as the doors to the Sendai City Gym stood tall and open infront of you.

As the group arrived behind you, looking at the same view infront, you realized something.

This was a battle.

A tough one for most.

Though hardest for you. But you weren't the only variable.

You weren't alone. You had a team. Teams around you. Everyone was after this.

Everyone wanted this. Though it was hard to tell who wanted it most.

You stepped through the tall doors into the hall, the fluorescent lights shining in arranged rows on the ceiling. It felt ominous, almost like a hero emerging from the shadows just in time.

Maybe that's what the moment felt like for Sugawara, as he analyzed the premise and courts from his position next to you.

He shed auras of optimism and great hope. Felt like poison radiating off of him and onto you slowly.

You pessimism diluted in the positive mixture that the setter produced.

Oh how violating it felt standing next to a polar opposite.

They don't attract, they simply irritate till time ends.

The time to whisk away free minutes was slowly closing in, as the rest of the Karasuno teams arrived inside by the both of you.

You looked around you, behind you, and beside you to find the remaining teams gathered by your side as you faced the gym.

More adequately, the paper next to the gym, as you scanned over the tryout list and times. You saw Karasuno up first, given no other teams were in attendance at this ungodly hour.

It was 5:24 am, on a Saturday.

Tryouts were split into 2 days to accommodate as much time for each team, and enough to assess every one individually before the regular start.